Rankin-Costello eager to follow in Nuttall's footsteps

Rovers youngster Joe Rankin-Costello has big ambititions this season, despite his tender years.

The midfielder, another to come through the Rovers academy system, made his first team bow against Bury in the Checkatrade Trophy last month at Ewood Park and the 18-year-old - who's a firm fixture in the Under-23s side - has his sights set on a first team place sooner rather than later.

And Rovers boss Tony Mowbray has shown that he isn't afraid to put his faith in his youngsters this term - demonstrated by Joe Nuttall's inclusion in his first team squads - which gives inspiration for Rankin-Costello.

"It's been a good, solid start to the season for us and we need to push on now," the versatile midfielder said.

"It's been a good campaign for us in the Under-23s as a team and hopefully a few more of us can get into the first team, just like Joe's done this season.

"He's shown that the pathway to the first team is there if you work hard, get your head down and hopefully you'll then follow in his footsteps. The manager has shown that he's not afraid to put young players in the first team squad and that's a real positive for me.

"I think you need that bit of luck throughout a campaign when you're in the situation I'm in, but with the fixtures coming thick and fast in the next few months I'm hoping to maybe get that chance."

And come the end of the campaign, Rankin-Costello is aiming for more than just the one honour.

"By the end of the campaign I hope to make my first team debut for the club in League One and also win the league with the Under-23s," he concluded.